Overview

Santa Maria della Salute (English: Saint Mary of Health), commonly known simply as the Salute. It is a Roman Catholic basilica located in the city of Venice, Italy. It stands between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal.

It was commissioned by the Venetian Republic as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mother of God to protect the city of Venice from the terrible plague of the seventeenth century. The first stone was placed on the April 1, 1631 and fifty years later, on November 9, 1687, it was consecrated by Patriarch Alvise Sagredo.

Coming to Venice and having the best stay:

Here is a selection of Venice travel guidesandexcellent booksabout the basilica. It will appeal to those who are interested in Venice, in Byzantine art, in mosaics, pavements, the decorative arts, and Church history.

Facade of the Santa Maria della Salute

The main facade is richly decorated by statues of the four evangelists recently attributed to Tommaso Rues

You can see right away a very rich series of statues that decorate the main façade and the outer sides of the building and then also continue on the inside following the theme of the glorification of Mary. Above the central gable there is the Madonna with the child and then at the sides the main prophets and the Marian figures of the Old Testament. The imposing modillions may instead recognize the statues of kings and prophets: David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel …

Pilgrimage to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

During the year you can be welcomed for a pilgrimage that is genuine review of life and encounter with the Lord that the Virgin Mary gives to the world.

Priests who wish to celebrate the s. Mass are asked to bring with them and present the ecclesiastical identification (celebret). You can also ask the accompaniment of organ music and the availability of the organist holder of the basilica for the different celebrations.

For groups of pilgrims it is also possible to arrange the welcome for lunch at the canteen of the nearby Patriarchal Seminary. For every need it is best to turn to the sacristy

Interior

Vast and bright, the interior is formed by the large compartment of the central dome under which there are six side chapels and the so-called round that acts as a veritable sanctuary with precious and venerated image of Our Lady of Health, the Mesopanditissa.

In the round you can see, moving to the right of the main entrance, the altar of the Nativity of Our Lady, the Assumption and the presentation in the Temple. After passing the entrance to the lower round, we find the altar of Pentecost, that of s. Antonio in the middle and finally the altar of the Annunciation of Mary.

The round is ellipsoid and is almost a stage with the cross altar which is a real focal point for the faithful who come to the Basilica.

The high altar is striking for its majestic size due to the fantastic Le Court marble group that is on top: the Virgin appears majestic with the Child in her arms, above a boulder cloud with three puti angelic feet; an angel with hunting torch the plague that flees headlong while a richly adorned woman recalls the city of Venice who is pleading on his knees at the feet of the Madonna.

The Mesopanditissa

For more than three centuries the pilgrims who come to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute venerate the image of the Madonna on the main altar. It has come from the island of Candia in 26 February 1670 brought by the doge Morosini. On 21 November of that year it was placed in the altar niche. The Candiotti called Madonna of St. Titus, because they believed that it had been painted by St. Luke who then donated to their first bishop. It was also called Mesopanditissa meaning mediator of peace. Because before the Venetians and the Candiotti, were involved in the war for sixty years.

Its name probably derives also from the day in which it was celebrated, the day that fell somewhere between Christmas and the Presentation of the Lord, called by the Greeks dell’Ipapante party meeting that party with Christ. Mary the “Ipapantissa”, he met before, only to be guided by you to meet Christ.

In Venice this image of the Virgin is called Our Lady of Health because the Venetians recognized that they received the gift of health in healing from the plague and salvation that only the Savior, his son, is able to bestow. So even the inscription engraved in the round in the center of the Basilica: “Unde origo inde salus” -by Mary was born Venice, Mary was the salvation.

The icon of Mesopanditissa – its shaded and sweet face that as Mother welcomes her loyal sons to her presence. She holds in her arms the Son of God and humanity. Baby Jesus holds in one hand the scroll of Revelation and the other blesses: he is the Word, the Word of God who is the source of blessing for those who welcome him with faith.

Choir and Sacristy

Behind the altar is a large rectangular space with statues of the Saints and the splendid choir, fine work of wood sculpture made of likely project Longheta between 1679 and 1681 with 25 upper and 15 lower stalls.

Above the choir is the organ organ built by Francesco Give us jr. in 1782 and then amended by Bazzani at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It was recently restored by the firm RUFFATI through the generous support of a benefactor. The organ has a daily part of the liturgy in the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.

Veritable treasure trove is the major sacristy which houses twelve works by Titian, Tintoretto and a rich series of works of great beauty although minor authors. It is open every day.

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THE MESOPANDITISSA

For more than three centuries the pilgrims who come to the Basilica della Salute venerate the image of the Madonna on the main altar. It has come from the island of Candia 26 February 1670 brought by the doge Morosini.

On 21 November of that year it was placed in the altar niche. The Candiotti called Madonna of St. Titus, because they believed that it had been painted by St. Luke who then donated to their first bishop. It was also called Mesopanditissa meaning mediator of peace. Because before the Venetians and the Candiotti, were involved in the war for sixty years.

Its name probably derives also from the day in which it was celebrated, the day that fell somewhere between Christmas and the Presentation of the Lord, called by the Greeks dell’Ipapante party meeting that party with Christ. Mary the “Ipapantissa”, he met before, only to be guided by you to meet Christ.

In Venice this image of the Virgin is called Our Lady of Health because the Venetians recognized that they received the gift of health in healing from the plague and salvation that only the Savior, his son, is able to bestow. So even the inscription engraved in the round in the center of the Basilica: “Unde origo inde salus” -by Mary was born Venice, Mary was the salvation.

The icon of Mesopanditissa – its shaded and sweet face that as Mother welcomes her loyal sons to her presence. She holds in her arms the Son of God and humanity. Baby Jesus holds in one hand the scroll of Revelation and the other blesses: he is the Word, the Word of God who is the source of blessing for those who welcome him with faith.

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SIGHTSEEING

The entrance to the Basilica, also for tourist visits, is always free in the church’s opening hours. For entry to higher Sacristy (Museum) an entrance fee is required instead to ensure custodial arrangement, lighting and restoration of houses works.

Free: € 0.00 (children under the age of 10, people with disability; religious / and; teachers accompanying school trips (1 free every 10 students).

PILGRIMAGE

During the year you can be welcomed for a pilgrimage that is genuine review of life and encounter with the Lord that the Virgin Mary gives to the world.

Priests who wish to celebrate the s. Mass are asked to bring with them and present the ecclesiastical identification (celebret).You can also ask the accompaniment of organ music and the availability of the organist holder of the basilica for the different celebrations.

For groups of pilgrims it is also possible to arrange the welcome for lunch at the canteen of the nearby Patriarchal Seminary.

For every need it is best to turn to the sacristy, or call at +39 04127439928 or write to [email protected]

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